OCCC’s 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series’ lineup is here!

Tickets go on sale this Monday!

(Published: 07-13-18)

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Cultural Programs is proud to announce its 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series (PAS) lineup for the college’s Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) Theater. From Broadway to classical to modern dance to Rockabilly music, there is a show for everyone at the VPAC this season. In addition to the PAS, there will be additional performances as part of the Ad Astra Foundation Series (AAFS). Tickets go on sale July 16, so be sure to get your tickets before they’re gone!

The series kicks off with a returning favorite, The Capitol Steps, who present their latest “Make America Grin Again” Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. With no shortage of political material to choose from, satirical wit is this troupe’s specialty. Their unique blend of musical and political comedy and satire is guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing.

OCCC and CityRep Theatre co-present everyone’s favorite musical, The Music Man, in a concert version, Sept. 28-30, 2018, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 1:30 p.m. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957. Starring one of Oklahoma’s most celebrated actors, Jonathan Beck Reed, this unique concert version will be a hit with the entire family.

OCCC is excited to present musical royalty Sir James and Lady Galway Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. Sir James, the “Man with the Golden Flute,” with his matchless Irish charm and brilliant musicianship, enthralls audiences with a colorful array of musical morsels ranging from serious works to lighthearted fare. Lady Jeanne Galway, who is also an accomplished flutist, will also perform. One of the leading female flute soloists of the decade, Lady Galway brings to the audience her unique style and virtuosity.

OCCC and CityRep Theatre team up again to present Stephen Lang in “Beyond Glory,” Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, at 2 p.m. In his acclaimed solo show about war veterans, Stephen Lang portrays a series of former servicemen recounting their combat experiences and the acts of courage that won them the United States’ military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats take the stage Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at 8 p.m. This award-winning troupe combines acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

GENTRI: The Gentlemen Trio perform Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. Established in 2014, GENTRI is comprised of three dynamic tenors who all have extensive backgrounds in musical theatre. Pioneering a signature sound they call “cinematic pop,” the music of GENTRI is transfused with lush, epic orchestrations and rich, dynamic three-part harmonies.

For dance enthusiasts, Parsons Dance perform Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. The New York City-based modern dance company is internationally renowned for creating and performing contemporary American dance of extraordinary artistry that is accessible and enriching to diverse audiences.

The Performing Arts Series concludes with Stray Cat Lee Rocker Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. Lee Rocker made his mark singing, playing, standing on, spinning and rocking his giant upright bass in the legendary music group, The Stray Cats, which were music video pioneers at the infancy of MTV, and repeatedly brought Rockabilly music to the top of the charts.

OCCC Cultural Programs is pleased to announce the addition of the Ad Astra Foundation Series, which consists of six additional performances beyond the PAS series.

The Broadway touring production of the beloved Sound of Music will fill hearts with love and laughter. It is based on the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world's best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. Performances are Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at 8 p.m. and a matinee Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 2 p.m.

The Bel Canto Trio, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at 7:30 p.m.,celebrates the 70th anniversary of the original operatic Bel Canto Trio that featured Mario Lanza, George London and Frances Yeend, which toured the United States in their 1947/1948 season.

Hit-maker, songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman returns to OCCC with his “Joyful Christmas” program Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. His distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music.

OCCC presents Todd Mosby, an innovative guitarist, composer and improviser, who creates an intriguing combination of new age, jazz, folk and world music and features his Imrat guitar. The performance is Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

Experience the prodigy Chase Padgett in “6 Guitars” Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. He delivers a unique performance, as he becomes 6 different guitar players, each with their own distinct voice, views and musical style.

The 2018-2019 season concludes with world-renowned pianist Teresa Walters Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. Described as “The International First Lady of Piano” by The New York Times, her mesmerizing performances on today’s international stages earn worldwide praise.

Single tickets go on sale July 16 and can be purchased at tickets.occc.edu. Season ticket packages are also available for patrons who are interested in multiple shows.

All performances will be held in the VPAC Theater located on OCCC’s main campus at 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73159. For ticket information, visit tickets.occc.edu or call the OCCC Cultural Programs box office at 405-682-7579.

Be sure to also download the OCCC Cultural Programs app, “VPAC at OCCC,” now available in the Apple and Google app stores. Check out upcoming events, purchase tickets and get notifications and updates on the latest shows at the VPAC.

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.